Bold Beautiful Perfect

 

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“I have finally found peace within myself. I no longer search for approval of others. I am in competition with no one. I only desire to be better than the person I was yesterday.” – Ashton

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Tell us a little about yourself, Ashton!

As a young mother with a very strong head I always seemed to take the path less traveled. However, looking back it was all part of a bigger plan. At the age of 31, I am a mother and role model to three wonderful children, entering my tenth year in my career with the Navy, and a recent graduate of Tulane with a Masters degree in Cybersecurity Management. All of those things have laid a solid foundation for financial success in my life. But there is a difference to making a living and actually living. I have realized I am living my most fabulous life because I have finally found peace within myself. I no longer search for approval of others. I am in competition with no one. I am grateful for my trials and tribulations. I only desire to be better than the person I was yesterday. I find serenity in gorgeous scenes, laughter, and sharing those experiences with the people I love. Parenting my children to bring up each other, stand up for their beliefs, and always remain kind. Most importantly letting go of negativity and remaining positive through all situations.

 

 

What is beauty to you?

Beauty to me is not just about appearing beautiful. Beauty can be in many forms. For example, a simple act of kindness or watching a parent meeting their child for the first time. One of my favorite views of beauty daily is the unconditional love war between my fiancé/children and our dog, Barbie’s affection. Sometimes beauty is pain but those situations are the ones the make us stronger. The feeling of beauty when your hair falls just right, an outfit fits perfect, or the person you love gives you that look (swoon!). The scent of beauty in a clean home with fall candles during summer. Touching something beautiful like a canvas tediously created or sand on a sunny day at the beach. Capturing that perfect raw photo when the natural lighting is just perfect!

 

What do you love about yourself?

I do love all of myself – good, bad, and everything in between. We’re going to be together forever, and even though I’m not perfect, I’m working daily on a better mind, body, and soul. These are the beautiful non tangible things not found at the local Walmart. It takes time to discovery and understand even more patience. If I had to choose three favorite things about myself, it would be:

1. My humor. (My ability to find happiness amidst the chaos)
2. My figure. (I struggled a long time having two model worthy skinny sisters. I appreciate my thick curves now!)
3. My ability to turn negativity into positivity. (Things happen for a reason. Let go of what I cannot control and when I can’t put that energy into something productive.)

What parts of your story can you share to help women to understand their own beauty?

Give compliments, share gratitude, and spread positivity with every opportunity to everyone, but specifically other women. These small moments can make such huge impacts. I have always been awkward when receiving compliments, but when I think back, it always made me feel so much more confident. Even when I was caught up in anything but myself, it helped bring me back to self love.

Put yourself as priority to discovery the unique traits that make you amazing. Each of us are created with a gorgeous purpose. Keep searching and fighting for yours. Everyone has the capacity to be confident, but we are the only ones that can build it ourselves. Finding that space and staying there in our own minds is not easy we all struggle at times. You deserve to give the best love to yourself because you are beautiful. You must find your love to give love as well as receive it.

 

 

What was your experience with the photo shoot?

I had never taken glamour shots or pictures of this kind before, but it was important to me to show my daughters that we are all beautiful in our own way. It is okay to love yourself.

The photo shoot truly made my beauty transition from the inside to the outside. As women, we can feel confident and beautiful, but to see it really means more than words can explain!

The photo shoot was something I could enjoy myself, almost being okay to be selfish. Every detail was catered for me. I had two complete strangers (Brandi and Kasper) transform me into a model, let me play dress up, and coach me through the entire session. But how those strangers become friends is a memory I will cherish forever.

My recommendation? Take the leap and allow this dynamic duo to bring the best of you out to play! I promise you won’t be disappointed! It’s an experience every woman should have at least once… a year!

 

We couldn’t pick from Ashton’s gorgeous images, so we’re sharing them ALL below! Which one is your favorite?

 

 

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You deserve to see and celebrate your beauty!

To book your own Portrait Session, contact us through the inquiry form below.

 

Much love,

Brandi

International Award-Winning Portrait Photographer